Jesus' Kingdom: Love, Choice, and Political Reflection
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of Jesus' kingdom and its implications for our lives, especially in the context of political and societal structures. As we approach another election cycle, it's easy to get caught up in the political struggles and conflicts that have been a part of human history for centuries. However, Jesus introduced a radically different kind of kingdom, one that is not of this world but is absolutely for this world. His kingdom is not built on coercion, oppression, or violence, but on the freedom of choice and self-sacrificing love.
Jesus' approach to the political and social issues of His time was revolutionary. He didn't conform to the expectations of a typical king who would use power and force to establish His rule. Instead, He flipped the script, offering a kingdom where everyone gets to choose. This is a stark contrast to the kingdoms of this world, which are often maintained through coercion and force. Jesus' kingdom invites us to live by different rules, where love, forgiveness, and service are the guiding principles.
We also delved into the historical context of how the church has sometimes strayed from this vision, particularly with the rise of Constantinianism, where the church and state became intertwined, leading to coercion in the name of faith. This serves as a cautionary tale for us today, reminding us that Jesus is building a kingdom, not a nation. Our allegiance is to His kingdom, which transcends national and political boundaries.
In this kingdom, we are called to love unconditionally, even those we disagree with politically or culturally. Jesus' followers are to be known by their love for one another, not by their political affiliations or cultural stances. This love is the true mark of His kingdom advancing in the world.
As we navigate the complexities of our current political and cultural landscape, we are reminded to pray for those in authority, seeking God's wisdom and guidance for them. Our role is to be a confessing church, using our words and deeds to reflect the crucified and risen Christ, who leads with love and grace.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World: Jesus introduced a kingdom that is fundamentally different from the kingdoms of this world. It is not built on coercion or violence but on the freedom of choice and love. This kingdom is for this world, offering a new way of living that challenges our assumptions about power and authority. [48:58]
- Everyone Gets to Choose: In Jesus' kingdom, every individual is given the freedom to choose. This radical liberty is foundational to the Christian faith, emphasizing that faith cannot be coerced but must be freely chosen. This challenges us to respect others' choices, even when they differ from our own. [52:58]
- The Danger of Constantinianism: The historical intertwining of church and state, known as Constantinianism, serves as a warning against using political power to advance the kingdom of God. Jesus' kingdom is not about building a nation but about forming a people who live by His values of love and service. [58:31]
- Love as the Mark of Discipleship: Jesus' followers are called to be known by their love for one another, transcending political and cultural differences. This love is the true indicator of His kingdom's presence and is essential for advancing His mission in the world. [01:03:15]
- Praying for Those in Authority: We are encouraged to pray for leaders at all levels of government, seeking God's wisdom and guidance for them. This practice aligns us with Jesus' kingdom values and reminds us of our role in supporting His work in the world through prayer and action. [01:09:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [36:10] - Election Season Reflections
- [37:32] - Jesus as President?
- [38:58] - Clash of Kingdoms
- [41:10] - New King, New Rules
- [43:32] - Jesus and Political Struggles
- [45:30] - Give to Caesar, Give to God
- [47:05] - Choice in Jesus' Kingdom
- [48:04] - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World
- [50:15] - Coercion vs. Choice
- [52:14] - Disciples' Misunderstanding
- [54:01] - Historical Context: Constantine
- [55:32] - The Rise of Christian Nationalism
- [59:41] - Jesus' Kingdom vs. Nation Building
- [01:03:15] - Love as the Kingdom's Mark
- [01:09:11] - Praying for Leaders
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 20:20-26
2. John 18:36
3. John 13:35
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 20:20-26, how did Jesus respond to the question about paying taxes to Caesar, and what was the significance of His answer? [45:30]
2. According to John 18:36, how does Jesus describe His kingdom, and what does this imply about its nature? [48:04]
3. What does John 13:35 say about how Jesus' disciples should be recognized, and how does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on love? [01:03:15]
4. How did the sermon describe the historical context of Constantinianism, and what warning does it provide for the church today? [58:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Jesus' statement in Luke 20:25, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's," suggest about the relationship between faith and political authority? [45:30]
2. How does the concept of Jesus' kingdom being "not of this world" challenge common perceptions of power and authority? [48:04]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church has strayed from Jesus' vision of His kingdom, particularly in relation to political power? [58:31]
4. How does the call to love one another in John 13:35 serve as a foundation for Jesus' kingdom, and what implications does this have for modern-day discipleship? [01:03:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt caught up in political struggles. How can Jesus' example of engaging with political issues guide your approach in future situations? [41:10]
2. Jesus' kingdom is built on the freedom of choice. How can you respect others' choices, especially when they differ from your own, in your daily interactions? [52:58]
3. The sermon warns against the dangers of Constantinianism. How can you ensure that your faith remains distinct from political agendas? [58:31]
4. In what practical ways can you demonstrate love for those you disagree with politically or culturally, as Jesus' followers are called to do? [01:03:15]
5. How often do you pray for those in authority, and what specific steps can you take to make this a regular practice in your life? [01:09:11]
6. Consider the idea that Jesus' kingdom is not about building a nation but forming a people. How does this perspective influence your understanding of your role in the church and society? [59:41]
7. Reflect on the concept of being a confessing church. How can your words and actions better reflect the crucified and risen Christ in your community? [01:07:24]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
Day 1: A Kingdom of Radical Love and Freedom
In a world often dominated by power and control, Jesus introduced a kingdom that stands in stark contrast. His kingdom is not of this world, yet it is profoundly for this world. It is built on the principles of love, freedom, and self-sacrifice rather than coercion and violence. This kingdom challenges our understanding of authority and power, inviting us to live by a different set of rules where love and service are paramount. As we navigate our lives, especially in times of political tension, we are reminded that our ultimate allegiance is to this kingdom, which transcends earthly boundaries and offers a new way of living. [48:58]
John 18:36 (ESV): "Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you embody the principles of Jesus' kingdom in your daily interactions, especially when faced with situations that tempt you to respond with power or control?
Day 2: The Freedom to Choose
One of the most radical aspects of Jesus' kingdom is the freedom it offers to every individual. Unlike the kingdoms of this world, which often rely on coercion, Jesus' kingdom is founded on the freedom of choice. This liberty is essential to the Christian faith, emphasizing that faith must be freely chosen and not imposed. As followers of Christ, we are called to respect the choices of others, even when they differ from our own, and to extend grace and understanding in our interactions. This freedom challenges us to live authentically and to encourage others to do the same. [52:58]
Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Reflection: How can you practice respecting the choices of others today, especially when they differ from your own beliefs or values?
Day 3: The Cautionary Tale of Constantinianism
The historical intertwining of church and state, known as Constantinianism, serves as a warning against using political power to advance the kingdom of God. This period in history reminds us that Jesus' kingdom is not about building a nation but about forming a people who live by His values of love and service. As we reflect on this, we are reminded to keep our focus on the true mission of the church, which is to embody the values of Jesus' kingdom and to resist the temptation to align too closely with political power. [58:31]
Matthew 20:25-28 (ESV): "But Jesus called them to him and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your allegiance to Jesus' kingdom remains distinct from political affiliations or nationalistic tendencies?
Day 4: Love as the True Mark of Discipleship
In Jesus' kingdom, love is the defining characteristic of His followers. This love transcends political and cultural differences and is the true indicator of His kingdom's presence in the world. As disciples of Christ, we are called to be known by our love for one another, which is essential for advancing His mission. This love is not just a feeling but an active choice to serve, forgive, and extend grace to others, even those with whom we disagree. It is through this love that the world will recognize us as followers of Jesus. [01:03:15]
1 John 4:7-8 (ESV): "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."
Reflection: Think of someone you disagree with politically or culturally. How can you show them love today in a way that reflects Jesus' kingdom values?
Day 5: Praying for Those in Authority
As followers of Jesus, we are encouraged to pray for leaders at all levels of government, seeking God's wisdom and guidance for them. This practice aligns us with the values of Jesus' kingdom and reminds us of our role in supporting His work in the world through prayer and action. By praying for those in authority, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and our dependence on Him to guide and direct the affairs of nations. This act of prayer is a powerful way to participate in the advancement of His kingdom. [01:09:11]
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
Reflection: Take a moment to pray for a specific leader in your community or nation. Ask God to grant them wisdom and guidance in their decisions and actions.
Quotes
1) "And what we realized was Jesus' primary message was that Jesus was the one whose primary message was repent because the kingdom is here. In other words, think differently. Reconsider how you view life and reality and the present and the future because there's a new kingdom is here. Now, the challenge, of course, is that Jesus shows up introducing, inaugurating his kingdom, but there's already a kingdom in place. In fact, multiple kingdoms. Throughout this series, we've taken a look at some of those. The kingdom of self. The kingdom of power over. The kingdom of you're only valuable because of what you can contribute. The kingdom of more. The kingdom of hope that's really just plagiarized. And so we've looked at a number of different areas in which kingdoms kind of exist in our world, in our lives, and Jesus shows up and his announcement is, hey, there's a new kingdom here and it clashes with all of these other ones. And what do we do with that? They create struggles." [38:58] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "In Jesus' kingdom, everyone gets to choose. Everyone gets to choose. Right now, in this country, we live in a democratic republic. People want to define it different ways. But we have a measure of choice of who is going to govern us, sort of. But if you lived in a kingdom, you don't get to choose the king. You don't get to choose who's going to be your king. It's already decided, right? And you just have to live with that. But in Jesus' kingdom, everybody gets to choose. And there's this interesting conversation that takes place shortly before Jesus' crucifixion. And he's having a conversation with Pilate, the governor of Jerusalem. And Pilate is asking him about being a king, because that was the accusation. They're like, hey, you should put this guy to death because he's claiming to be king, and Caesar wouldn't like that." [47:05] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "The kingdoms of this world are all held in place and put in place by some combination of coercion, oppression, and violence. That's just how kingdoms work. That's how they are put together and that's how they are held together. It's always been this way. But Jesus' kingdom is different. Everyone gets to choose. And the ways the kingdoms of this world are put together and held together simply do not work in Jesus' kingdom. It would be like trying to use jujitsu to paint a sunset. You'd be like, I don't think that's going to work. I don't think that's how you paint sunsets. I think you're going to need a whole different kind of reality. Using the methods of the kingdoms of this world to accomplish Jesus' kingdom goals is a non-starter. It just doesn't work." [50:15] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Jesus' kingdom is built on the foundation that every person every person who are all created in the image of God every person should have the ability to make their own choice. In his book Scandalous Witness the author says ultimate and radical liberty are the foundations of the Christian faith. The freedom to choose ultimate and radical liberty are at the foundations of the Christian faith. And they must characterize the spread of the Christian faith. Every individual is given by God the liberty, the freedom to reject all that is right and good and beautiful. If someone wants to say I don't want to listen to that I don't want to believe that I don't want to follow that that is the freedom that God gives. And that's how Jesus' kingdom was started and will continue to operate." [52:58] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Jesus is building a kingdom, not a nation. You hear me on this? Jesus is building a kingdom, not a nation. At its core, Christian nationalism is the belief that America is a uniquely ordained instrument of God responsible for establishing and maintaining the Christian faith. In other words, it's up to the government and the country to do Jesus' work. Everything from we have to have prayer in the schools and the Ten Commandments in the courthouse to the phrase under God in the pledge. I know that people will argue and have argued whether or not the founding fathers of this country were Christians and whether they intended to form a quote-unquote Christian nation." [01:00:44] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "When Jesus' followers, in pursuit of policies, laws, and government that they believe reflect Jesus' kingdom, when we go about it by slander, and deception, and threats, and violence, and oppression, and dehumanizing language, and more, the kingdom of Jesus is not there. And it won't arrive on that train. Like, that's not how it's going to come. When we say, Jesus, right, your kingdom come, your will be done, that ain't how it happens. Jesus said how it happens is when we love one another, including, by the way, our enemies. There are followers of Jesus who are afraid of their fellow Christians if they find out who they actually voted for." [01:05:09] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Jesus doesn't want to be president. I'll quote a famous pastor from Atlanta who said, he said, Jesus didn't come to take sides. He came to take over. Jesus didn't come to take sides. He came to take over. And the way he's going to do that, his kingdom is not like any other kingdom. His kingdom is not of this world, but it is absolutely for this world. His followers, the people who are part of his kingdom are called to be an outpost in this world of a very different kind of kingdom." [01:06:20] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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